15 ranked items · community-voted
Unveil a world of pungent aromas with this assemblage of the stinkiest cheeses known to tantalize the adventurous palate. Each selection boasts a distinct and often overpowering scent that contrasts delightfully with its complex flavors, showcasing the artistry involved in cheese making.
Hailing from Burgundy, Époisses is a soft cheese celebrated for its intense aroma and rich, creamy texture. Encased in a vibrant orange rind washed with marc de Bourgogne, its bold flavor captivates both lovers and skeptics of strong cheese alike.
💡 Napoleon Bonaparte was known to enjoy Époisses, which adds a historical touch to its storied reputation.
Known as the 'king of cheeses,' Roquefort is a blue cheese made from sheep's milk, distinguished by its sharp, tangy flavor and characteristic blue veins caused by the mold Penicillium roqueforti. The combination of its bold taste and unmistakable aroma has secured its place as a favorite among cheese connoisseurs.
💡 Roquefort is one of the world's oldest known cheeses and is protected by a designation of origin label.
This English cheese is known for its strong aroma, which comes from the unique wash of perry (pear cider) used during its maturation. Its flavor is rich and buttery, with a distinctive tang that contrasts beautifully with its pungent smell.
💡 Stinking Bishop was featured in the film 'Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit'.
Cambozola combines the characteristics of blue cheese and brie, resulting in a unique cheese with a creamy texture and a sophisticated, tangy flavor. Its blue veins give it a distinct appearance alongside a surprisingly mild aroma that captivates cheese lovers.
💡 Cambozola has gained immense popularity since its creation in the late 1970s, blending Italian and French cheesemaking traditions.
This cheese from France has a soft, creamy texture and a strong aroma that some find quite off-putting. The smell is reminiscent of wet hay and cellar, contrasting with its mild flavor that hints at nuts and cream.
💡 Neufchâtel cheese has been produced since at least the 6th century.
Considered one of the smelliest cheeses in the world, Vieux-Boulogne is a French cheese made from cow's milk. It has a robust and highly aromatic profile, often compared to the smell of overripe fruit or even a stable.
💡 No other cheese has ever received a higher score in a taste test conducted by a panel of cheese experts.
This French cheese has a very strong aroma, thanks to its washed rind, which is pale yellow and soft. Its creamy texture and rich flavor makes it popular despite its pungent scent.
💡 Pont l'Évêque is one of the oldest Norman cheeses and dates back to the 12th century.
Originating from Catalonia, this goat cheese is known for its distinct earthy flavor and grayish rind. While it has a strong smell, the taste is creamy with a hint of nuttiness, making it quite popular among cheese lovers.
💡 Garrotxa is made from unpasteurized goat's milk and has a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status.
This strong-smelling cheese hails from the Alsace region of France and is made from cow's milk. Its pungent aroma is balanced by a rich, creamy taste that can be quite intense for the unaccustomed palate.
💡 Traditionally washed with a brine solution, which contributes to its strong aroma.
This semi-soft Italian cheese has a washed rind that gives it a potent aroma, often compared to that of wet socks. Despite its strong smell, Taleggio is creamy and flavorful, with a slightly tangy undertone.
💡 Taleggio has been produced since the 9th century, and it is considered one of the oldest cheeses in Italy.
This rare and traditional French blue cheese is known for its powerful and pungent scent, combined with a rich, creamy taste. Made from cow's milk, it offers a complex flavor profile that many food enthusiasts enjoy.
💡 Bleu de Termignon is produced in very limited quantities, making it highly sought after.
This Spanish blue cheese originates from the Asturias region and is made from a mixture of cow's, sheep's, and goat's milk. It is known for its strong aroma and flavor due to the natural mold that forms on the crust during the aging process.
💡 Cabrales cheese is traditionally wrapped in sycamore leaves for aging, adding to its unique flavor.
This Spanish blue cheese is made from a mixture of cow and goat milk and is known for its strong, pungent aroma. Its flavor is intense and slightly spicy, making it a favorite among blue cheese fans.
💡 Valdeon cheese is made in the Valdeón Valley in the Picos de Europa mountains.
Hailing from the Périgord region of France, this cheese is characterized by its strong smell and rich, creamy texture. The aging process gives it a very pronounced aroma, which can be polarizing among cheese enthusiasts.
💡 It's often paired with local wines to balance its robust character.
Famous for its potent smell, Limburger cheese is known for its creamy texture and sharp, tangy flavor profile. Originating from Belgium, it has a devoted following despite its notorious aroma which some liken to feet.
💡 Limburger cheese is often served with rye bread and onions, a popular way to enjoy its intense flavor.
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